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The Second First Chance

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If you could have a second chance at true love, would you take it?


Jayden is offered the opportunity to journey back in time after she loses her soulmate, Callahan, on their twentieth anniversary. Enticed by the idea of meeting Callahan ten years earlier, she takes the leap.


From 2015 back to 1985, Jayden restarts her college experience at Florida State University. Her best friend Patrick from the first time around is at her side, supporting her attempts to win over young Cal.


Professor Travis Stratford has his eyes set on Jayden and throws his hat into the ring. Could he be a good distraction while she waits for Callahan to give her a second first chance?


Young Cal, still suffering from a recent loss of his own, is a different man than her Cally of the future. Will Jayden have the patience necessary to win him over? Will Cal believe her crazy tale?


Immerse yourself in this poignant, sexy, hilarious romance, which will have you laughing—and crying—your heart out.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2016

5 people are currently reading
490 people want to read

About the author

Blakely Bennett

12 books513 followers
I've decided to no longer be active on Goodreads. I would love for you to find me elsewhere. Thanks!

Author of captivating, sexy, emotion-driven stories.

MY WEBSITE: http://www.blakelybennett.com/

MY BLOG: http://www.blakelybennett.com/blog/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blakely.bennett

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BlakelyBennett

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews137 followers
July 8, 2022
**Spoilers**

Tissues and alcohol required.

Imagine you're with the love of your life, you both are living the happily ever after then, screeeeeech, they're gone. Just. Like. That.

What wouldn't you do to get that life back?


The Second First Chance is a story about love, loss, and possibilities.

Jayden loses her husband on the 20th anniversary of their union; she's left floundering, drowning in despair.

So, when she gets the lifetime opportunity to go back to the past, to a time before she met Callahan. She grabs it and back to the 80s she goes.

I won't say more as not to spoil; just know it's funny, extremely emotive and cleverly written, a book you'll cherish. Trust me.
Profile Image for Ira.
1,157 reviews130 followers
March 17, 2018
I read and finished the book!
That says something about the story, right?

The question is, is there any good?
Well, 34 chapters plus prologue and epilogue!
The best bit is the prologue then the epilogue. The rest of it? Not so much! At least that's how I feel.

Kind of disappointed really, when the heroine traveled back in time to her 18 years old self, she went back with her memories intact. So, what did I expecting? A mature 48 years old woman who tried to correct hers and her dead husband situation in an adult and mature way.

But what did I get? A horny 18 years old girl who behaved just like that, 18 yo!!
Her mind of thinking is baffled me, she thought if the younger self hubby won't to know her in her present time, it meant there is 10 years gap that she need to fill in with hooked up with other guy.
Why is that, she was 48yo for god sake, can she think of something how to be more closer to Callahan? Of course she can't! Because she more interested with this other guy.

I felt like that's mocking the sadness/angst of the story the author tried to tell us.

Also, what happened with her daughter she left behind when she moved to this world? Did she find her mum dead in her world or what? There is absolutely no explanations. And that was very bad! I read weird PNR story than this and believed in them because the author explained to her readers why we should believe in them. This one? Not good!

So yeah, all the gossips, the gay BFF, the roommate, the party, the hooked up, and classes all feels like YA/NA. It written good though, if you like this type of story, you probably will adore it but that is not what I wanted to read.

And the hero? He wasn't there much, if there is no prologue, I will say the hero is the other guy.
Because he was there in those chapters except prologue and epilogue, sigh 😔

See what I mean?
Mocking the seriousness of her situation:(
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,440 followers
March 9, 2016
Ms. Bennett is an auto-read for me. Her writing just gets better and better. When I first read the blurb of this story, I was mixed. It is intriguing but I'm not too interested in contemporary romance. Within the first few pages (or screen swipes) I am hooked and I know I made a grave mistake. I started this book right before I was going to bed. Warning, do not start this book just before you are going to do something or go to bed. Set time aside to savour this book from beginning to end. This is one of those books that give you quite a book hangover. I'm emotionally wrung out after going through Jayden's second chance to be with the love of her life.

The set up of the story is filled with angst. If you were given one chance to go back in time with all the knowledge you currently have, would you do it? What if it was because you were able to meet your soulmate years earlier? Would you do it? What if you had to give up your currently life and there is no guarantee your soulmate will recognize you years before you initially met?

For Jayden, a tragic moment causes her to leap at this chance without thought to the ramifications. This is cleverly done to support Jayden's impulsive and rather reckless personality. I really liked Jayden even if I didn't understand half the choices she makes. Ms. Bennett does a wonderful job of creating a what if scenario with a possible unhappily ever after.

The layers to this story is truly awe-inspiring. The observations of a 48 year old in an 18 year old body resonates so well for women in their 40s (like me). Yet even having all the knowledge of an older more experienced self, I do not believe I would take this chance because for me, it would be hell to go back to my college years at the age of 18. Would I do many things differently? For sure, there is no doubt. What Ms. Bennett sneakily does is interweave between trying to re-creating the same results sooner as well as trying something different. This constant pulling between what Jayden knows can happen and wants to happen versus seeing the past with a new perspective is very well done. Ms. Bennett balances it so well. I am impressed with how she masterfully shows that sometimes, it is about meeting at the right person at the right time, not the right person at the wrong time. Because as most people evolve and grow based upon their painful experiences, a younger version may not be exactly the right fit.

The erotic piece to this story is smoking hawt. There is a little hint of kinky sex to kick up the heat. The sexual tension and sensual flirtation is what makes this erotica so arousing. It is a fine tease to an explosive orgasm instead of a quick back alley blowjob. When it come to sex, Ms. Bennett knows her stuff and how to get a rise, even if it is just an illicit fingering in a professor's office.

The relationship between Cally and Jayden both the first and second time plays into the romance lover's desire for a soulmate. For those who believe, this is a story of affirmation and possibilities. For those who don't believe, it is a still an endearing and moving piece of love which transcends time. This speculative romance is highly recommended to readers who believe that soulmates will always find their way back to each other.

*I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review
Profile Image for Heather❀Kiss The Pages❀.
755 reviews298 followers
August 18, 2017
I was a little disappointed because this book had such great reviews. Now the premise of this story is truly unique and I loved the concept of the book but it fell short in a few ways.

I did like Jayden. She had a great fun personality. She was a very direct, honest person. In the early parts of the book when she first travels back to her college days, it appears to be a love triangle with Callahan and Travis. However she never played games with them and there is no cheating. Honestly I'm not sure of the purpose of Travis' character. He eventually never had any significant purpose in the book in my opinion.

I also love Packy who is Jayden's college BFF. Their friendship plays a big role in this book and I loved how he was always there for her through thick and thin.

Overall I think this book needed some serious editing. It did not have to be this long. So many unnecessary scenes. There were so many scenes with Packy and Jayden going to eat lunch and describing what they were eating and having conversations that had no bearing on the progress of the story.

The steam in this book was great. It was really fun to see Jayden know exactly how to seduce Callahan seeing as she was married to him for 20 years and knew exactly what he liked. They did get their HEA but I did not completely buy into that ending. It kind of ended a little suddenly with one of the characters just magically having a change of heart.

So overall this book was ok but I was a little underwhelmed.

3 Stars
Adult Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
Single POV: Heroine
HEA
Profile Image for Kitty Berry.
Author 47 books404 followers
March 3, 2016
I am an avid reader (like 100 books a year kind of reader) so trust me when I say The Second First Chance is a book not to be missed. I am also an author so in this review I will share my thoughts first on Blakely Bennett’s writing instead of describing the story which you can read yourself in the synopsis. I will include a tidbit or two about the plot at the end, don’t worry.
In my opinion, Ms. Bennett does a seamless job of both showing and telling the reader this story of love and devotion. She blends an active narrative summary with a fast paced interior monologue and witty character dialogue to bring the reader into the lives of Jayden, Callahan, and Patrick. They are fun and likeable characters that every reader can relate to. Readers will get involved and invested in Jayden and Callahan’s love story right from the start; they’ll become a part of it because of the way Ms. Bennett shows the interaction between them with a lot of dialogue and action. There is never a dull moment!
When writing a story like The Second First Chance, authors often risk sharing too much of the past history of the characters, they get lost in telling the reader what happened instead of focusing on what is currently happening or what will likely occur. That is not true of Blakely Bennett or The Second First Chance. The Second First Chance’s plot moves forward at a quick pace and holds the reader's interest from the very beginning, sprinkling backstory in a scene or two here and there along the way. Ms. Bennett has written The Second First Chance from Jayden’s point of view and gives the reader just enough of the past story to wet their appetite and hook them into Jayden’s life, both past and present.
This is a story for people of various ages but I found myself smiling in nostalgia as a person who is of a similar age to the main character. It didn’t hurt that I also love a second chance story or that Ms. Bennett’s novel is technically sound (i.e., sentence structure, flow of verbiage).
Readers of The Second First Chance will love the conflict between Jayden and Callahan. It is what will keep the readers turning the pages of this book well into the night; it is a very hard book to put down. Once you get a glimpse of the characters at odds with one another you will most definitely lose some sleep.
The Second First Chance holds a sexual tone that is appropriate for adult readers. The sex scenes are graphic in language and content but mature and tasteful, showing the action and dialogue between the two characters involved. Readers will see each action; feel the sensations with the characters as they occur.
Overall, as a reader as well as an author, I was impressed with Blakeley Bennett’s voice and the flavor of this story.
And now for a few words on the plot.
Choices...we make them every day, right? Do you ever wonder what would happen if you were given the opportunity to go back in time and have another go at those choices? What if you knew how your life would played out, would you take the chance and go back, change things? Well, that is exactly the experience Jayden is offered after she loses her soulmate, Callahan, in 2015.
Jayden journeys back to 1985 and experiences her college days once again. She quickly falls back into a friendship with Patrick, her gay best friend, who will remain by her side during times of trouble. This time around she vows never to lose touch with him.
She meets Professor Travis Stratford on this return visit and he changes the course of her life, encouraging Jayden’s love of writing. But that’s not all the good Professor is interested in. Travis has his eyes on Jayden and threatens to ruin her second chance with the love of her life.
Jayden quickly discovers that young Cal is much different from the older version of himself, YOS (your older self) as she refers to him. Young Cal is still reeling from a recent loss, his wounds are raw and he is far from ready to meet Jayden. She must find the patience to wait for Cal and win him over. Maybe Travis will be the distraction she needs while waiting…
Come find out and enjoy this emotional read.
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,303 reviews1,780 followers
March 17, 2016
Favorite Quotes:

“He was the rock, and I was the roll, he was the stalwart who tethered my flighty airheaded balloon to the earth, which would have otherwise flown toward the sun and popped. He was the foundation, and I was the decoration. He made me feel safe in this crazy world...”

“Woo him and get him to fall for you before you unload your bag of crazy.”

“I am not a very patient person, and I hate walking on eggshells. I end up cracking each and every one.”

My Review:

I have often wished/fantasized/maybe even prayed for – a “Do Over,” very few of us haven’t at one time or another. However, never in my wildest of imaginings could I have concocted such a clever and well-crafted tale as this one. The whole concept is beyond exciting, yet the rational reasoning and creation of the process and means for the return in time that Ms. Bennett has devised, were pure genius. The writing, storyline, and pace of the story were flawlessly executed. I adored the characters, the banter, the humor, steamy sensual scenes, and even the struggle and unexpected complications. I had my own Packy for a few years before he graduated ahead of me and we lost touch. This story pricked my memories and had me more than a bit misty with nostalgia. While I never would have expected to relish the thought of going back and reliving my entire life from my college years forward – I may have to rethink that if I could go back with all my memories intact. Although in my case – the Bob Seger refrain of, "I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then," may make more sense…
Profile Image for Yveta Germano.
Author 11 books36 followers
March 6, 2016
Rarely does a romance book evoke deeper questions and thoughts such as the probability of meeting a true soul mate, the pain of losing such a love, and the opportunity of going back in time to relive that relationship. The Second First Chance does just that.

The prologue rips your heart out as Jayden mourns Callahan, her husband of twenty years, and with him their love that is still so great, so profound, that even his untimely death cannot end it quite so completely, as this love seems almost eternal. At the age of 48, Jayden's life is suddenly transformed from sheer bliss to an unbearable heartbreak. Nothing makes sense anymore, so when Jayden is faced with the opportunity to travel back in time and to become 18 once again, it is a prospect that makes as much sense as everything else in her painful and somewhat hazy reality. And so she does. Jayden leaves everything behind, even her eighteen-year-old daughter she had with Callahan, Ashley, and sets up to relive her life once again. Why? So that she could try to meet her love and her soul mate ten years earlier, when she's 18, so that they would enjoy a much longer life together than what they had the first time around. Sounds simple, except, there are no guarantees. Destiny is one thing. The choices we make are something else.

I enjoyed the story and I loved the premise because it made me think and ponder not just about love and life, but about the choices we make and just how much they shape our past and future. I really liked the college setting, the friendship between Jayden and Packy, their many interactions, Jayden's attempts to live a normal life despite the fact that she came back from the future and kept her memories... One thing I regret is not having more of Jayden and Callahan together. Their love was so beautiful, I wanted to stay with them just a little bit longer.
Profile Image for Michelle Marshall.
30 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2016
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of Second First Chance by the Author Blakely bennet with the return of an honest review when I had read. Here goes , description of the story Jayden lost her husband in a freak accident and was given the chance to go back and find her love Callahan and rekindle (or restart ) what they had once had . The story all the way through makes you wonder if you were in the same position would you , or could you do the same . I loved the fact that Jayden could remember her life from before whereas younger Callahan had no idea . The fact Jayden went back to school with people she already had done school with so knew some of what was already going to happen , she confides in her old best friend Paki who is absolutely hilarious ( I wish I had had a friend like him !!) I could not put this down wanting to see what the outcome was and I was not disappointed one bit. I hope there is going to be a next installment so we can see where life takes this couple the second time round compared with the first I cried and laughed along with the characters , also had a few shivers run up and down my spine while I read this adventure. A bit of time travel mixed with some sexiness , a great read for whoever picks this book up whether you are already a Blakely fan or new to her work you will love this story. Smashed it yet again Mrs Bennet and thanks for the opportunity to be one of the first to read your work again :-):-)
Profile Image for Tami czenkus.
1,551 reviews24 followers
February 23, 2016
Would you take a second chance at love at first sight if given the chance to have more time with your soul mate???
Jayden lost the love of her life to a freak accident and is given the chance of a lifetime.... to do it all over again, but she didn't take into consideration how difficult life would be all over again.
Blakely Bennett takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride in this extremely unique story about second chances and starting over.
Callahan and Jayden had a "once in a lifetime" love, while celebrating their wedding anniversary tragedy hits and turns Jayden's life upside down and she finds herself heartbroken and left to raise her teenage daughter alone. That is until she is given a chance of a lifetime, go back in time and start all over with the knowledge she has now as an adult.
Jayden still has all of the trials and tribulations as before, but this time around she has a lot more to lose if she isn't successful at making Callahan fall in love with her again.
I was so engrossed in this story that I felt so connected to the characters that I cried and laughed along with them every step of the way... Definitely a must read and leaves you yearning for more!!!
56 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2016
If you ever lost your soul mate and had the chance to go back and re-meet them, save them and make them fall in love with you again. .... Would you? knowing you leave behind the life you have now? Tough question.

Callahan is the love of Jordans life. Her soul mate. Best Friend. Husband. When she looses him in a tragic accident. Her life is changed forever. Left widowed and with a grieving daughter.

After Callahans funeral, Jordan is approached by a gentleman. Who claims he can right the wrong of Callahans death. She believes him to be crazy! Wouldn't you! But after listening to him. Hearing what he says. She make the ultimate sacrifice. She goes back in time. She leaves her life as is. But with the memories of the life she left. To start a life again and meet Callahan. But is there any such thing as a second chance at meeting your soul mate? Jordan is going to find out. Is she ready for her two lives to come together. To accept what she has left behind?

Add to you TBR list. It's warm, heartfelt, addicting. I've cried, laughed. This is one of my favorite reads. It's totally different to all the Stepbrother... CEO'S and Biker books out at the moment. It's something new.

Blakely your amazing. A big well done. Very new, very exciting, very different. Loved it. Mohair
Profile Image for Debbie R.
38 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2016
Imagine having a once in a lifetime kind of love and then losing that love in a freak accident. If given the chance to do it all over again would you ? If you had the opportunity to go back in time and do it all over again with the chance that it all might not work out would you risk it ? Jayden is offered the opportunity to go back in time and meet her soul mate Callahan 10 years before she met him the first time and just the idea of meeting him ten years sooner has her going for it, but can she make Callahan fall in love with her all over again ?
This book had me hooked from the first few pages. I will admit a shed some tears along the way but I also cheered the characters on as I felt emotionally invested in this book. I got to thinking if I was afforded the same opportunity would I do the same things Jayden did ? I can definitely say that yes I would do almost everything she did and maybe even more!!
Profile Image for V.M..
Author 3 books44 followers
March 15, 2016
Absolutely loved this book. Who wouldn't want a second chance? Change the things you think will make life better... that is until you actually do go back. Jayden and Cal are soulmates, but can they find each other a second time?
Profile Image for Deb M.
324 reviews12 followers
March 16, 2016

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of author Blakely Bennett. I have the deepest respect for her writing. Not only do her words flow like beautiful music, her stories capture your attention and keep you enthralled for the duration of the novel. The characters she creates are often eerily familiar. Whether you recognize aspects of yourself in them, or other people you know, they come to life on the pages. And, I often find myself making mental notes to listen to the wisdom they impart through the experiences Ms. Bennett puts them through. Most importantly, and this is what sets her apart from other authors, she not only writes from the heart, she hands over a piece of her soul in every one of her stories. I hope everyone who reads The Second First Chance will recognize it as a gift from Ms. Bennett not to be taken lightly.

If you’ve read any of Ms. Bennett’s other books (I highly encourage you to do so!), you’ll know the subject matter of The Second First Chance is somewhat of a departure for her. The synopsis summarizes this story so well, I’d like to stay away from recapping or giving details. That would only serve to spoil the creative and clever way she weaves this story into a beautiful piece that will stay with you for days after you’ve finished reading. I must admit, I wasn’t quite sure how she was going to pull off having a character go back in time without all sorts of convoluted and complicated issues. But, pull it off she did!

After a prologue that had me sobbing, I wondered if I’d make it through the entire book without having a breakdown! The writing is so good you automatically put yourself in Jayden’s shoes. You have no choice but to feel her heartache and utter devastation. I felt every single emotion Jayden feels. I wanted to rant along with her, “This isn’t fair!”
Lest you think this book is a downer, let me assure you it most definitely is not. Once Jayden accepts her “second first chance” the pace changes. It’s not only creative, it’s so much fun you’ll love every bit of it. The things we take for granted today compared to what life was like in 1985 is written accurately and with loads of humor. The characters are well thought out, developed beautifully, and are absolutely believable.

Jayden has her “What the hell did I do?” moments throughout, but I love that she never gives up. She is determined to make the best of her decision, whether it turns out the way she wants it to or not. She’s a fighter, she’s smart, she’s fun, and she has the good sense to look around and fully appreciate things she took for granted the first time around. I loved her BFF, Packy. A true friend, he’s hilarious and he gets her through the tough times, pointing out reason when she’s all muddled up. Travis, a professor who sets his sights on Jayden, gives her another perspective to consider. And then there’s Callahan, the man she lost too early and the reason she is back in the year 1984. Ms. Bennett has written him perfectly! His attraction to Jayden and the seemingly random familiar feelings he has, for no logical reason, had me misting up yet again. Ms. Bennett is one of the best at writing steamy and kinky. And even though these scenes are a bit tame compared to her usual, the connection between Jayden and Callahan is hot because it conveys their love and lust with aching familiarity.

I love stories about soul mates, their bond that carries over through time, and the struggles they must endure to be together. The Second First Chance is a beautifully written, emotionally satisfying, love story full of laughter and fun . Brava, Ms. Bennett!
**** Reviewed for Xtreme Delusions ****


Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews42 followers
March 14, 2016
I loved this story!! It initially caught me off guard with the unconventional beginning but at the same time I was intrigued. It didn't take long before I was completely drawn in. I couldn't put it down.

The premise seems simple. Go back in time, find your soulmate and start again. As it turns out it's not so simple. Jayden has tragically lost her husband and soulmate too soon. She's given the opportunity to go back in time to start over. She's in pain and grieving for the loss of her husband so she takes the chance and returns back to 1985. It's ten years before she met her husband, ten years more they can have together. What Jayden hadn't expected was her soulmate, Callahan, was also a very different person ten years prior to their first meeting.

I love the premise of the story. Would you return to your past to have more time with your soulmate? Would you do things differently? Jayden is able to keep her memories when she returns to her past. I laughed and felt her pain with her lack of technology struggles. What intrigued me most was Callahan, he's a very different person at thirty then he is at forty. The younger Callahan was definitely more challenging for Jayden. There maybe some truth about the saying "the right time and the right place." Is it possible for Jayden to make her relationship work with Callahan ten years too soon? I love when a story keeps you in suspense until the very last page. The Second First Chance hits all the marks! 5 'Text to Self' Stars!
Profile Image for Badass Bloggettes.
742 reviews44 followers
March 2, 2016
Have you ever had that feeling that you would love to go back in time to that once true love and start over, well in this book you can.

From the moment I started this book, I knew it would be powerful and emotional and I was not wrong, the tears that flowed out of me were ongoing but in a good/sad way.

After losing the love of her life in an accident leaving Jayden all alone with their daughter, Jayden is just lost and heartbroken. You can actually feel the anguish through the pages and the heartbreak, your heart will break along with her, and mine did.

Jayden however, has been given the chance of a lifetime, to go back in time to meet her soul mate Callahan all over again, but this time 10 years before she originally met him. You can imagine how high Jayden jumped into this. Anything to get her true love back, however, with going back in time earlier than when she originally met Callahan, can she be sure he will fall in love with her all over again? Jayden has so much to lose if she cannot make Callahan to love her like he did

This book will have you reading until the small hours of the morning until you finish it, it is that compelling and you just want to know what happens.

I loved the book, the characters, the writing; there was nothing I could say about this book that would not have you reaching for it immediately.

Such a great story and book, highly recommend this.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,898 reviews41 followers
March 12, 2016
The Second First Chance by Blakely Bennett

This was an early copy given for an honest review.

Wendy's Review 5stars started 1/3/16-finished 3/3 16

This story covers a complex situation, one that I would think many would find hard.
I myself wouldn't, I would jump in feet first. But I am lucky I don't have a child to consider into the equation, Hubby and I have also known and been friends pretty much our whole lives. Knowing the mistakes our other relationships were, I wouldn't hesitate to make sure we carried on from our 13 year old first relationship and cut out the failed others that happened between that and getting back together at 17. To be given a chance to not only put right something that shouldn't have happened, but to start from a different time period to some would be a godsend. This book opens up that idea and flies, the love that Jaydan has for Callahan is just so strong. I feel almost blessed to have read this story, its sad, happy, joyful and loving. Its written with understanding and compassion, but also imagination and maybe gives some hope that this sort of chance is out there for the right couples. For those that find their soul mates. I loved this beautiful, powerful story, yes it made me cry but it also made me smile and it gave me HOPE! Thank you Blakely for a great and inspiring idea that you have turned into such an awesome tale, its one I want to remember for a long long time.
Profile Image for Ann Pankhurst.
7 reviews
March 16, 2016
I can't tell you how much I love Author Blakely Bennett's books and this story is awesome! Just imagine loosing your husband, lover and soul mate of 20 years in a tragic, freak accident. Then some strange guy comes along and offers you the chance to go back in time to be able to meet him sooner and make him fall in love with you all over again. Would you leave your life and everything you have, including a daughter, to risk it?
This story is a truly emotional journey for the reader. I really felt Jayden's anguish and pain. She is left completely distraught and bereft by the death of Callahan, so it's not surprising that on being given a Second First Chance to have him back and have him fall in love with her all over again, she does just that!
I absolutely love Packi, Jayden's gay best friend from the past. He's so funny and caring. Throughout the book you can just hear him and visualise his mannerisms. (Everyone needs a best friend like Packi in their life). He's a real scream! Then there is Travis " Professor Hottie" who has a very hot"n"sexy panty wetting scene in his office that had me wriggling in my seat!
Unfortunately for Jayden not everything goes to plan. Will she succeed in her quest?
I think that Blakely is a brilliant writer who makes you feel and visualise what her characters are going through and her books just keep getting better! Well worth five stars.
Profile Image for Roxie's Reviews.
1,154 reviews23 followers
March 1, 2016
"A Sweet and Touching story"
This book will bring you to tears right at the beginning it is so touching. The characters are amazing.
Jayden just lost the love of her life when her husband Cally was killed. After the viewing Cally to say good by a stranger sows up beside her. He is dressed all in white Jayden did not even hear him come in. He tells her he is there to give her a second first chance. Jayden freaks out and takes off. Only the stranger finds her again. When she happens to touch him she knows he is not human!. He tells her it was not Cally's time to go, and sense theirs was a soulmate love he offers her a chance to go back in time to win Cally's love again but this time she can be 18 instead!. Can Jayden get more years with him or will she change her life forever?.
Wouldn't be amazing to get another second first chance!.
You will love this sweet,touching and funny Romance!.
Profile Image for bookramblings1..
459 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2016
#amazing
wow. seriously im not sure where to start. this book has me flummoxed (haha I can play that game too :) ) but flummoxed in a good way. I don't think I could possibly get my point across strongly enough.
I'm utterly awe struck...

time travel. not something that would normally jump out at me as something I would enjoy but well this story is so hard not to be drawn in to.
jayjay she's so passionate. her passion leads her to a once in a lifetime chance at capturing her soul mate again, can she leave everything she knows and loves on a chance at recreating the love she has not only for her husband cal but her daughter also? and even if she can find cal can see convince him she's not deluded??

add this absolutely fantastically uplifting read to your tbr list and stalk Blakely for release updates you won't be disappointed...
Profile Image for Shannon.
759 reviews7 followers
March 10, 2016
I will read nearly anything, as long as it holds my interest. I agreed to read this as an arc for an honest review.
I have to say, after reading the prologue, I wasn't looking forward to the rest off the book. It made me want to cry within the first paragraph. By the time I'd finished the prologue, I was emotionally tired. It all changed about halfway through the first chapter. It grabbed a hold of me and wouldn't let go. The only reason I put it down was so I could get a few hours of sleep before my little got up.
It is definitely a rollercoaster of a story. You'll laugh, cry, want to scream, and you'll love. Definitely give this book a fighting, you won't be sorry.
Profile Image for Ariel.
387 reviews
May 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this novel! It pulled me in from the beginning, and I never wanted to put it down. I'm always fascinated by time travel, and the author did a good job of dealing with a sometimes tricky plot. Packy was my absolute favorite character in this whole book. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of little things here and there.
1. I have an extreme hard time believing that Jayden would have remembered Cal's parents' phone number from 20 years ago considering she didn't have a good relationship with them or his sister (who lives in Cals' parents' house in the future) so she never had a reason to call them. This was clearly just a quick way to move the plot along, but it sounds next to impossible because no one has that good of a memory unless it was a number they frequently dialed.
2. Jayden was too pushy at times and extremely emotional to the point where I thought she might become suicidal when she was away from Cal.
3. As much as I loved Travis and didn't mind the relationship he had with Jayden because of the fact that she was 48 and could handle him, I found it ridiculous that she was pushing him towards other young girls. At the end of the novel Jayden says that it's a shame that Travis got fired from his job for inappropriate relationships with his students because he was such a good teacher. I guarantee you that if her daughter Ashley was in this situation with a grown ass man she would not be so forgiving. That's kind of like saying it sucks that that serial killer went to jail because he was such a great doctor (just because someone is good at there job doesn't mean they are doing the right thing outside of their job).
4. I found it crazy that she thought she wouldn't get pregnant the second time around until she was 29. Toly did not specifically say that that would be the case, so she should have been smart enough (especially being 48 years old) to use a condom.

These were all of the problems that I had with the story, and even though I harped on them for a while, I promise that they were small problems to me. I just wanted anyone that read this review to completely understand where I'm coming from. Overall, this book was absolutely amazing and completely unique, and I'm glad I came across this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andrea.
227 reviews
March 18, 2016
*ARC recieved in return for an honest review

Curl up on the sofa with a cuppa, your favourite chocolate and let your heart soar in this heart warming and sexy time-travelling love story.

Blakely Bennett never disappoints and she definitely didn't with The Second First Chance. I was completely hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. You can feel the love between the author and her husband pouring out of every page. I finished it with a goofy smile on my face and feeling warm and fuzzy all over.

Although the begining is quite sad with the funeral of Jayden's husband, Callahan, (I cried my eyes out) I found it to be quite a funny too. I couldn't stop myself from laughing out loud at the banter between Jayden and her best friend in college, Patrick, or Packy as she called him. I adored him and would love to have a friend like him. At times I found myself shouting out loud at the younger Jayden when the oh-so-sexy Professor Travis Stratford came on the scene letting her know that he was interested in her.

I absolutely loved The Second First Chance and I didn't want it to end! A real heart warming story and a joy to read. Go 1-click it now, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Tracy.
417 reviews19 followers
April 2, 2016
This book was absolutely amazing!!! It was so incredibly touching. Second First Chance has you thinking "would I do this if given the chance?" Jayden and Callahan's story starts out so painful:( But when Jayden makes her decision you are brought into her world of college and her very best friend Packy!! Whom I absolutely loved. Their banter and sense of humor had me laughing so hard : ) She took such a chance going back and hoping for the best. I became so optomistic that everything would be ok when Cal met Jayden again. But you have no idea what this author throws in to shake things up. I can say I loved this entire book tremendously!!<3
Profile Image for Thai Holman.
504 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2016
Omg wow. Ok was asked to review and this was so so so different so original. Hayden loses her husband and gets a chance to go back in time find her first love. Now with that I would have thought not my kind of read, But without reading the blurb just the title thinking this would be just a second chance romance novel. Oh my no it was so much more.
What a experience this book is. It's a journey and I loved it. Started it today and ended it today. Couldn't put down.
Blakely is a new author for me but now I will have to go in search of other books.
This was something that held me in and took me away. Just what a book is supposed to do.
Profile Image for Madeline A..
Author 2 books111 followers
April 4, 2016
I enjoyed the time travel that exists in this novel. I love the idea of second chances and thought about what people would do if they had the chance to go back in time. Blakely Bennet's writing is fantastic and truly captures the essence of the story. I felt like I was there and I really felt for Jayden and Callahan's romance. I found it so interesting how she insisted on doing things different this time. I also found it interesting that Callahan was so different when he was younger than when Jayden initially met him. It made me realize how sometimes your experiences really do shape you as a person. I would highly recommend this novel and can't wait to see more from this author!!
Profile Image for L Morales.
724 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2016
Love this book!! A must read!! When Jayden unexpectedly loses the love of her life and is offered the chance to go back and time she jumps at the opportunity. She goes back in time to be with Callahan again not realizing the consequence. Jayden is willing to wait and fight for the love of her life until he is ready for a relationship. I love both the main characters and secondary characters in this book. If you looking for a awesome second chance romance book I highly recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for M.T. Miles.
Author 9 books35 followers
March 9, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
An imaginative premise combined with a masterful insight into human nature make this book a pleasurable read. The author has created of fulsome, rounded and credible characters who aide in the storytelling. Filled with humor and tinged with anticipation, the inventive plot moves at a brisk pace, taking the reader on a most enjoyable ride.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,426 reviews80 followers
March 22, 2016
This is the first book I have read from this Author and I really really enjoyed it. It is such a refreshing story, from what is the norm these days and it had me crying and laughing right there with all the characters. Trust me this is one book that should not be passed over. Well done Blakely this was well written.
Profile Image for Al Del.
758 reviews13 followers
January 13, 2018
No words at the moment. What an amazing book, heroine and BFF! Need to think about writing a review in the near future. Not enough stars to rate this one!
Don’t let the dodgy front cover deter you, it will make sense later.
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